Needles should not shed easily or be discolored. Of course, if you are cutting a tree yourself, you will still want to look the tree over carefully for signs of overall quality. If the tree is fresh, very fewneedles will come off. The easiest way to evaluate this is to lightly grasp the branch of the tree and gently pull the branch and needles through your hand. Selecting the perfect Christmas tree can be a fun and memorable tradition, particularly if you take into account some important considerations. Before setting out to get your tree, determine where in your house the tree will be located, the size of tree you need and whether all s ides will be displayed. When selecting a precut tree, make sure that the tree is fresh by testing how firmly the needles are attached to the branches. Whether you choose a precut tree at a local tree lot or bundle up the family for a choose-and-cut experience, you will find a wide array of tree types that offer something for everyone.